Local News

Mary Foley and Susie Galvez aren’t afraid to tell women how to enjoy life. And they certainly seem to be doing that themselves.

Radio hosts of the “Girlfriend We Gotta Talk” show broadcast each Sunday at 3 p.m. on WLEE 990 AM in Richmond, the two gave those women attending the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce Women of Influence luncheon Thursday tips on how to increase their sanity, confidence and fun.

And they had fun doing it, sharing their health, beauty, relationship and self-esteem tips.

Since coming to Bedford in 1999, Conni St. John has assisted hundreds of victims of domestic violence and their children as well as assisting her staff to reach their potential not only as advocates but strong leaders in the community.

On Thursday she was recognized for those efforts, being named the Athena Award winner for 2009 during the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce’s Women of Influence luncheon held at West Manor in Forest.

The 30th annual Hanging of the Greens luncheon took place last Thursday at the Bedford Historic Meeting House.

Sponsored by the Bedford Historical Society, the luncheon allowed local history buffs the chance to catch up while enjoying a sumptuous meal. Chicken salad, ham biscuits, aspic, fruit salad and a wide range of pastries lined the history buffs’ buffet.

Last week’s Bedford County Board of Supervisors meeting featured a report from the county’s solid waste department and a modification of the supervisors legislative priorities.

According to Sheldon Cash, the county’s solid waste manager, the solid waste department opened up a new cell at the landfill this year. It opens up 10 more acres and Cash expects to start using it in the spring. It cost $4 million, but Cash said that amount is $800,000 below what was anticipated.

Bedford Main Street kicks off Bedford’s Christmas celebration with its annual tree lighting at Centertown Park, Friday at 6 p.m.

Dan Plattus, Main Street’s office manager, said area residents are encouraged to bring an ornament for the tree, then stick around for music, carriage rides and hot chocolate, apple cider and cookies. The treats will be at Centertown Park and the Bower Center. Clam Diggers and Stillwaters, both located on South Bridge Street, have live music planned.

Once again, the Shepherd’s Table served up a Thanksgiving dinner with turkey, dressing, sweet potatoes, green beans and pumpkin pie. The organization regularly serves on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, so this dinner is actually served the day before Turkey Day.

The Shepherd’s table provides free hot lunches to people in Bedford who are in tight financial circumstances. The Shepherd’s Table began serving in May, 1991. Serving Thanksgiving meals in 1989 and 1990 indicated that there was a need in the community.

According to the census of 1860, there were 10,176 slaves laboring in Bedford County. A tangible reminder of these men and women is on the verge of crumbling into oblivion.

Ivy Cliff is a historic house in New London. It’s more than 200 years old and was once the home of a family that owned a tobacco plantation. Near the house, one of the plantation’s slave cabins is still standing and Chris Gulluscio, the current owner of Ivy Cliff, wants to save it.